Summary of "Terror Attack in New Orleans-What We Know So Far"

Podcast: The 47 Morning Update with Ben Ferguson
Host/Author: Premiere Networks
Release Date: January 2, 2025

Introduction

In this urgent episode of The 47 Morning Update, host Ben Ferguson, alongside Senate Republican Senator Ted Cruz, delves into the tragic terrorist attacks that occurred in New Orleans and Las Vegas on New Year's Day. The discussion aims to provide listeners with comprehensive insights into the events, the perpetrator's background, the potential links between the attacks, and the broader implications for national security and border policies.

Overview of the New Orleans Terror Attack

Timestamp: [00:00] - [04:21]

The episode opens with Senator Ted Cruz addressing the horrific terrorist attack in New Orleans, where a 42-year-old U.S. citizen from Texas, Shamsad Din Bahar Jabbar, deliberately drove a white pickup truck into a crowd celebrating on Bourbon Street, resulting in 15 fatalities and numerous injuries. Cruz emphasizes the gravity of the situation, noting the simultaneous Las Vegas incident outside the Trump Hotel, and urges listeners to understand the timing of the recording at 9:30 PM Eastern Time to contextualize the rapidly evolving news.

Details About the Perpetrator

Timestamp: [04:21] - [11:14]

The co-host provides an in-depth profile of Shamsad Din Bahar Jabbar:

• Background: Born in Beaumont, Texas, resides in Houston.
• Military Service: Served in the U.S. Army from 2006 to 2020, including nine years of active duty and deployment in Afghanistan (2009-2010). Discharged honorably in 2020.
• Attack Details: Jabbar was found with explosive devices, including two pipe bombs in coolers wired for remote detonation. Notably, the pickup truck was reportedly flying an ISIS flag, suggesting ideological motivation.

Further complicating the investigation, the co-host highlights conflicting reports about the truck's entry into the U.S., initially thought to have crossed the southern border recently, then updated to having entered on November 16, 2024. Additionally, both the New Orleans and Las Vegas trucks were rented via the Turo app, a detail under investigation for potential connections.

Notable Quote:

"We are dealing with another individual who is a soldier who apparently became radicalized." — Unnamed Co-Host [10:11]

Possible Link to Las Vegas Incident

Timestamp: [10:11] - [13:04]

Senator Cruz discusses the Las Vegas incident involving a Tesla Cybertruck that exploded outside the Trump Hotel, resulting in one death (the driver) and several injuries. Initially attributed to a possible battery malfunction by Elon Musk, authorities have since confirmed the explosion was deliberate. While connections between the two attacks remain unverified, the co-host points out the shared use of the Turo app for vehicle rental as a possible link, though it may be coincidental.

Notable Quote:

"This was clearly done deliberately." — Senator Ted Cruz [10:11]

Border Security and Policy Critique

Timestamp: [04:21] - [22:34]

A significant portion of the discussion centers on the critique of current U.S. border policies under the Biden administration:

• Open Borders: Cruz and the co-host argue that the open southern border has strained law enforcement resources, making it difficult to monitor and prevent potential terrorist threats.
• Law Enforcement Challenges: The FBI and other agencies are portrayed as overextended and distracted by political agendas, rather than focusing on national security.
• Precedents: References are made to the October 23, 2024, New York Post headline about border agents catching 300 migrants with terrorist ties, underscoring long-standing concerns about border security.
• Upcoming Administration Changes: With the incoming Trump administration, there is optimism expressed that border security will become a top priority, addressing the vulnerabilities that may have contributed to the attacks.

Notable Quotes:

"Every day that border is open, Americans are at greater risk..." — Unnamed Co-Host [08:49]
"We will find out what information there was that could have been used to prevent this attack." — Unnamed Co-Host [20:07]

Reactions from Officials

Timestamp: [11:55] - [27:10]

The episode reviews conflicting statements from New Orleans officials and the FBI:

• New Orleans Police Chief: Describes the incident as not a terrorist event, focusing instead on improvised explosive devices.
• Mayor LaToya Cantrell: Contradicts the police chief by labeling the attack as a terrorist act, urging the public to stay away from Bourbon Street for safety.
• FBI Stance: Initially denied the terrorist nature of the attack but later affirmed its investigation as a terrorist act.

Senator John Kennedy, present in New Orleans, emphasizes the need for federal authorities to thoroughly investigate and ensure transparency, rejecting any notions of cover-ups.

Notable Quotes:

"This is not a terrorist event." — New Orleans Police Chief [11:55]
"We are going to tell the American people exactly what happened." — Senator John Kennedy [16:01]

Joe Biden's National Address

Timestamp: [22:34] - [25:02]

Senator Cruz plays a segment of President Joe Biden’s address from Camp David, given two hours after the attacks:

• Acknowledgment of the Attacks: Biden confirms the involvement of an Army veteran with ISIS affiliations.
• Assurances to the Public: He pledges a comprehensive investigation and the mobilization of federal resources to uncover any connections or co-conspirators.
• Las Vegas Connection: Mentions the investigation into the Las Vegas Cybertruck explosion as potentially related but states there is no confirmed link at this time.

Notable Quote:

"The law enforcement intelligence community are continuing to look for any connections, associations, or co conspirators." — Joe Biden [22:55]

Concluding Thoughts and Calls to Vigilance

Timestamp: [25:02] - [27:10]

As the episode wraps up, Cruz and the co-host express their anguish and frustration over perceived governmental incompetency and the lack of proactive measures to prevent such attacks. They stress the importance of transparency, accountability, and robust border security measures to safeguard American lives. The hosts extend their condolences to the victims and their families, urging listeners to remain vigilant and supportive of their communities during these trying times.

Notable Quotes:

"Our prayers are with all of the victims who were injured." — Unnamed Co-Host [26:10]
"It's a dangerous world we live in." — Unnamed Co-Host [26:10]

Key Takeaways

• Tragic Events: Two simultaneous terrorist attacks in New Orleans and Las Vegas have raised serious national security concerns.
• Perpetrator Profile: The New Orleans attacker was a U.S. Army veteran with suspected ties to ISIS.
• Border Security Critique: The open southern border is criticized for stretching law enforcement thin and increasing vulnerability to terrorist activities.
• Government Response: Conflicting statements from officials highlight potential communication and policy challenges within federal agencies.
• Future Outlook: Anticipation of stronger border security measures under the incoming Trump administration.
• Call to Action: Emphasis on vigilance, community support, and the necessity for transparent investigations to prevent future attacks.

This episode of The 47 Morning Update serves as a sobering reminder of the ongoing threats to national security and the urgent need for effective policy responses to safeguard American citizens.